He said: “I think everything is almost done, he is here and very happy to be here. For him he knows it’s a great opportunity.

“He’s 32 years old, I’ve known him for a long time and he’s a good lad. He will add a lot of things for us because he’s a good player and he’s ambitious. He used to play in the Barcelona academy and he has everything I want in one player.

“We are trying [to put Abella in contention for tomorrow’s match]. I’m not too sure because he has only just trained with us and I want to respect the players who have been training with us for a month, but if everything is done then he will come with us.”

Karanka revealed he will make several changes to his side ahead of tomorrow’s cup clash, and confirmed club captain Jonathan Woodgate is fit and should feature.